Horde split two

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The Granville Golden Horde received a rude welcome back to the Wasaren League Friday night after knocking off state title contender Fair Haven earlier in the week.

Granville fell to Hoosic Valley 53-40 Dec. 16 as the Indians’ high pressure defense shut down the Horde’s low post game, choking off the team’s offensive strongpoint.

Ian Bixby led the Horde with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots, but no other teammate reached double figures scoring. Jared Beattie and Evan Young each contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds in the loss. The Indians’ tall and athletic defense stymied the Horde as they couldn’t get it into their big men to do the offensive damage the team relies upon. The Horde led 8-to-7 after the first quarter, but couldn’t muster a comeback after Valley outscored them 19-to-7 before the half. For Valley, J.T. Sawyer had 19 points, John Rooney 16 and Ethan Ross-Hixson added 10. 

Granville hosts the American Legion Christmas Tournament next week.

The Horde faired better against a team favored to contend for a Division II title in Vermont as Granville topped the Fair Haven Slaters 48-36 Dec. 14.

The Horde trailed after the first quarter thanks to the hot shooting hands of the Slaters who used the 3-pointer to power their offense early. However, Granville controlled the glass and as a result controlled the game by keeping the ball away from the Slater and scoring second chance points. Three Horde players reached doubled figures as Bixby scored 14 points and 12 rebounds; Beattie 12 points and 12 rebounds and Evan Young 11 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Logan Seamans added 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.

“They’re an in-your-face team, they were a good test for us; we are improving,” head coach Duane Dodge said. Dodge said it was good for his team to see a full court press as it is something they have struggled against and continue to work at.

Dodge said the win was a team effort, but added Young was an offensive key for team drawing several fouls early in key match ups against the Slaters.

Assistant coach Chris Fuller contributed to this report.